Best Hotels in Solomon Islands: How to Choose the Right Stay

The best hotels in Solomon Islands are usually in Honiara on Guadalcanal, or in island areas such as Gizo in the Western Province. The right choice depends on your trip, your budget and how remote you want to be. This guide shows you the best areas, the main hotel types and the checks that save money.

Quick answer

The best hotel in the Solomon Islands depends on where you go and why you travel. Honiara, the capital on Guadalcanal, suits business trips, transit stops and city stays. It has the widest choice of rooms, the main airport and most services. Gizo, in the Western Province, suits diving, snorkelling and island trips.

Match your hotel type to your trip purpose and budget. Business travellers usually want reliable air conditioning, internet and a central base. Divers and nature lovers often prefer a small lodge, guesthouse or dive-resort stay close to the water.

Choices here are more limited than in larger destinations. Rooms can sell out in busy periods, so plan early.

Check these things first:

• Location: Confirm which island or town the property sits in, and how you will reach it.
• Transfers: Ask whether the hotel arranges airport, boat or domestic flight pick-ups.
• Room basics: Look for air conditioning, fans, hot water and power back-up.
• Inclusions: See whether meals, dive access or tours come with the room.
• Flexible terms: Read the cancellation policy, because flights and boats can change.

Always check current prices and compare a few options before you pay. Smaller places may take bookings only by email, so allow extra time to confirm.

Best areas for hotels in Solomon Islands

The best area depends on what you want from your trip. Solomon Islands spreads across many islands, so your base shapes your whole visit. Pick the area first, then compare places to stay there.

• Honiara, Guadalcanal: The capital suits first-time visitors and business travellers. You get the widest choice of stays, plus restaurants, markets, banks and domestic flight links.
• Gizo, Western Province: Divers, snorkellers and nature lovers choose Gizo. It offers reefs, small islands and a relaxed town feel.
• Munda: This is a good pick for quiet lagoon stays. Expect calm water, a slow pace and easy boat trips.
• Auki, Malaita: Cultural visitors favour Auki. You can learn about local traditions, crafts and village life.
• Kirakira or the Marovo Lagoon area: These suit remote nature trips. Facilities are simpler, so plan ahead and book early.

Most international flights arrive in Honiara, so many travellers stay a night or two there first. From the capital, domestic flights and boats link you to the other areas. Schedules can change, so confirm transport before you book.

Outside Honiara, choices are smaller and some places run on basic power and limited internet. That is part of the charm, but it affects your comfort. Read the full guide, Where to Stay in Solomon Islands: Best Areas, to match each area to your travel style.

Types of hotels in Solomon Islands and who they suit

Solomon Islands has a small, varied hotel scene. Most stays fall into a few clear types, and each suits a different kind of trip.

• Luxury resorts: These suit honeymooners and anyone who wants comfort and privacy. Expect spacious rooms, on-site dining, and organised dives, snorkelling and boat trips.
• Boutique stays: These suit couples and travellers who like character over size. Expect a small number of rooms, personal service and a strong sense of place.
• Budget hotels: These suit solo travellers and backpackers. Expect simple, clean rooms, a fan or air-conditioning, and a base close to shops and transport.
• Family hotels: These suit parents with children. Look for connecting rooms, a pool or a calm beach, and meals that please young appetites.
• Apartments: These suit longer stays and self-caterers. Expect a kitchen, more space and the freedom to cook with fresh local fish and vegetables.

Eco-lodges and guesthouses

Eco-lodges and guesthouses are common across the islands, especially outside the main town. They suit divers, birdwatchers, culture lovers and anyone who wants a quiet, local experience.

Expect a warm welcome, simple rooms and set meals built around fresh fish, root vegetables and tropical fruit. Power and Wi-Fi may be limited, and some places are reachable only by boat, so confirm transfers before you book.

What to check before you book a hotel in Solomon Islands

Start with location and transport links. Many visitors land in Honiara, but the islands are spread wide, so a hotel on another island may need a boat or domestic flight. Ask the hotel exactly how you reach it, and who arranges the transfer.

You do not need to stay near the airport unless you have an early or late flight. For most trips, pick the area that fits your plans. The same logic applies when you compare islands in the Canary Islands guide, so choose the base first, then the room.

Remote resorts may run on generators or limited water supplies. Confirm what happens during outages, and ask when power is on.

Your pre-booking checklist

• Transfers: Check boat and flight schedules, luggage limits and weather delays.
• Comfort: Confirm air conditioning, Wi-Fi quality and hot water. Wi-Fi may be slow or limited outside towns.
• Mosquito protection: Look for screens, nets or fans, and pack repellent.
• Meals: Check whether breakfast or full board is included. Remote places often have few restaurants nearby.
• Terms and reviews: Read the cancellation rules, recent guest reviews and accepted payment methods.

Bring some cash, as card machines may not work everywhere. Ask whether the hotel accepts cards, and check any extra charges before you pay.

How to pay less for a great hotel

Smart planning cuts your costs in the Solomon Islands without cutting comfort. Start by comparing rates across several booking sites and the hotel's own website. Always check current prices, because rates change with season and demand.

Book smart

Choose a flexible cancellation rate when you can. It often costs a little more, but it lets you rebook if a better deal appears. Flights to and within the islands can shift, so flexibility also protects you from losing money.

Travel outside peak months if your plans allow. Shoulder periods often bring lower rates and quieter surroundings. Ask a hotel directly about off-peak offers.

Cut daily costs

• Guesthouses and apartments: A kitchen lets you cook with fresh local fish, chicken and market vegetables, so you spend less on restaurants.
• Bundled meals: Packages with breakfast or dinner can beat paying separately, especially in remote spots with few other eating options.
• Airport transfers: Ask whether the rate includes a pick-up. A bundled transfer is often cheaper than arranging one on arrival.
• Longer stays: Many properties lower the nightly rate for week-long or longer bookings. Ask before you confirm.

A simple decision tip

Choose location over luxury. A modest room close to the sights, dive operators or harbour saves you transport costs and travel time. It also leaves more budget for tours and experiences, which shape your trip far more than thread count does.

Best time to book

Book early for the dry season and for busy school holidays. Solomon Islands has a small tourism sector, so rooms are limited, especially outside Honiara. Good places on outer islands can fill well before your travel dates.

How far ahead to reserve

For peak periods, reserve as soon as your flights and dates are firm. Outer islands and dive or beach stays need the most notice. Honiara usually has more choice, but business travel can still tighten supply.

For quieter months, a shorter lead time often works. Even then, book early if you need a family room, a sea view or a place with its own transfer service.

Check weather and sea conditions

Boat transfers between islands depend on the weather. Rough seas can delay or cancel crossings, so build spare days into your plan. Ask each property how it handles delays and whether you can change dates.

• Choose flexible or free-cancellation rates where you can.
• Leave a buffer day before any international flight home.
• Confirm transfer times with your host before you pay.
• Check whether your room rate covers boat or airport transfers.

Are last-minute deals realistic?

Sometimes, but do not rely on them. Honiara may offer late discounts in quieter weeks. Remote islands have few rooms and fewer rate drops, and getting there takes planning.

If you want ideas on comparing stays in another island destination, read Best Hotels in Cayman Islands: How to Choose the Right Stay. Always check current prices before you commit.

Key takeaways

Finding the best hotel in the Solomon Islands starts with your trip plan, not a star rating. Decide what you want from the islands first, then pick the area and hotel type that fit.

Choose your base by what you plan to do. The capital suits short stays, business trips and onward connections. Island and coastal areas suit divers, snorkellers and people who want quiet beaches. Remember that travel between islands often depends on boats or small planes, so allow extra time.

Match the hotel type to your travel style. Comfortable mid-range stays and simple guesthouses work well for most visitors. Families often like extra space, and apartments help on longer stays.

Read the details before you pay. Look closely at what the room rate includes, and confirm transfers, meals and cancellation terms. Power and internet can be limited in remote places, so check what the property offers.

• Area choice: Pick your base around your main activity, and allow for island transfers.
• Hotel type: Match comfort, space and budget to your group and the length of your stay.
• Booking checklist: Confirm what the rate includes, the transfer arrangements, meals, cancellation terms and facilities.
• Savings tips: Compare current prices, look at flexible rates, and weigh included extras against the headline rate.
• Timing: Book early for busy periods, and check current prices again before you confirm.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best place to stay in Solomon Islands?

It depends on your trip. Honiara on Guadalcanal suits business travel, transit stops and first visits, with the widest choice of rooms and services. Gizo in the Western Province suits divers, snorkellers and nature lovers who want a relaxed, island feel close to the water.

Is Honiara a good place to stay?

Honiara works well as a base for short stays, business trips and onward travel. It has the main airport, markets, banks and the most hotels in the country. Many visitors then fly or sail on to quieter islands for reefs and beaches.

Where should I stay in Solomon Islands for diving and snorkelling?

Gizo in the Western Province is a popular choice for diving and snorkelling. Look for a small lodge or dive resort close to the water. Ask whether dive access, boat trips and transfers come with your room.

Do Solomon Islands hotels have air conditioning and hot water?

Facilities vary a lot between properties. Larger places in Honiara often offer air conditioning, internet and power back-up. Smaller island lodges may rely on fans and simpler setups, so check the room details before you book.

How far in advance should I book a hotel in Solomon Islands?

Book early, especially for busy travel periods. Choice is more limited than in larger destinations, and rooms can sell out. Smaller places may take bookings only by email, so allow extra time for confirmation.

Do Solomon Islands hotels arrange airport and boat transfers?

Many do, but not all. Ask before you book whether the property arranges airport, boat or domestic flight pick-ups. Confirm the details in writing, because flights and boat times can change.